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Biri language facts for kids

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Not to be confused with Nhanhagardi language, also known as Wiri.
Quick facts for kids
Biri
Eastern Maric
Native to Australia
Region Queensland
Ethnicity Biria, Kangulu, Wiri, Yuibera, Yilba, Barada, Yambina, Yetimarala, Karingbal, Yangga, Giya (Bumbarra), Baranha, Miyan
Language family
Dialects
Biri
Garaynbal
Gangulu
Baradha
Yambina
Yangga
Yilba
Wiri (Widi)
Giya (Bumbarra)
Yetimarala/Yetimarla
Yuwi (Yuipera)?
Mandalgu?
AIATSIS E56 Biri, etc.

Biri, also known as Biria or Birri Gubba, is an Aboriginal language from the Mackay area in Queensland, Australia. It was spoken by the Birri Gubba people and others.

Biri is actually a group of several closely related languages, often called dialects. Some of these dialects are now being brought back to life through special projects.

Biri Language Dialects

Tribes around Gladstone1
Map of the traditional lands of Aboriginal people around Mackay, Rockhampton and Gladstone in Queensland.

Many languages are considered dialects of Biri. The AIATSIS database lists them. Sadly, most of these dialects have not had speakers since 1975, meaning they are now considered extinct.

Here are some of the confirmed dialects:

  • Garaynbal (Garingbal)
  • Gangulu (Kaangooloo)
  • Baradha (Thar-ar-ra-burra)
  • Yambina (Jampal)
  • Yangga (Jangga)
  • Yuwi (Juipera)
  • Yilba (Yukkaburra)
  • Wiri (Widi)
  • Giya (Bumbarra)
  • Ngaro (Giya)
  • Yetimarala / Yetimarla (Bayali)

Yuwi Language Revival

The Yuwi language is a dialect of Biri. For many years, there were no recorded speakers of Yuwi. However, the Yuwi people have been working hard to bring their language back.

By 2020, after a lot of effort, Yuwi elders were able to perform "Welcome to Country" ceremonies using their language. This amazing achievement involved working with the State Library of Queensland to find old word lists and create a new dictionary. Groups like First Languages Australia also help support these efforts.

Today, the people and their language are often called Yuwibara.

Other Dialects

The status of some other dialects, like Ngaro and Gabulbarra, is still being studied. For example, not much is known about the Gabulbarra language, but experts think it might be another Biri dialect.

Peoples Who Spoke Biri Dialects

Many different Aboriginal peoples spoke the various dialects of the Biri language. These groups lived in the areas around Mackay, Rockhampton, and Gladstone in Queensland.

Here are some of the peoples who spoke Biri dialects:

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Biri language Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.